12 Wisconsin parades that will get you into the holiday spirit
Discover the top Wisconsin holiday parades near you. Get dates, themes, locations, and more for these 2025 Christmas events.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Wisconsin. Holiday lights are going up, trees are appearing in windows, and the weather keeps getting colder. To help you jumpstart the holiday season, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top holiday parades across Wisconsin. So grab your Santa hats and a hot cup of cocoa because it’s about to get very merry around here.
Northeast Wisconsin
Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade
Known as one of the Midwest’s biggest and best nighttime Christmas parades, the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade features 80 units, including colorful floats, decorated vehicles, animals, and more than 20 marching bands performing a range of favorite holiday tunes. The parade starts at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, and is expected to draw a crowd of about 80,000 people. You can also watch the parade from home at CBS 5, WFRV-TV, or stream it live at WeAreGreenBay.com.
Lakeshore Holiday Parade
The Lakeshore Holiday Parade takes place the night before Thanksgiving in downtown Manitowoc. Floats, marching bands, trucks, and walkers will follow a route that ends at The Rahr-West Art Museum. There, families can meet Santa, enjoy treats, and admire Christmas in the Mansion. Nov. 26 also kicks off Evergleams on Eighth. Look for gleaming aluminum tree displays in storefronts, celebrating the classic decor produced locally by Mirro Aluminum and National Tinsel Company in the ’60s and ’70s.
Downtown Oshkosh Holiday Parade
The Downtown Oshkosh Holiday Parade starts with live music and a tree lighting in Opera House Square on Dec. 4 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by the parade at 6:15 p.m. The theme for this year’s parade is “Stories that Spark the Season,” so you can expect floats themed around classic Christmas tales like A Christmas Carol, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman. If you have some extra time, consider experiencing one of the most beloved Christmas stories with Nutcracker in the Castle, an immersive retelling at the Paine Art Center and Gardens.
Southeast Wisconsin
West Allis Christmas Parade
The West Allis Christmas Parade will light up the streets on Dec. 6 from 4:45 to 6 p.m. You can expect to see a parade filled with marching bands, live performers, festive floats, vintage vehicles, and maybe even Santa Claus himself. If you want to make a day of it, stop by the Christkindlmarkt from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.. This traditional European-style Christmas market features over 60 vendors, food trucks, and live music. A movie screening and tree lighting will also take place before the start of the parade.
Grafton Christmas Parade
The Grafton Christmas Parade stretches more than a mile through downtown and features a lineup of floats and performers more than 125 units strong. The festivities take place on Nov. 29, starting at 11 a.m. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets.
Fire & Lights Parade
The parade and holiday festivities will be on Saturday, Nov. 29, starting at 5 p.m. with live music and entertainment. The Fire & Lights Parade will start at 6 p.m. and features festive fire trucks from Area fire and public safety departments. Following the parade, there is a tree lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa at around 6:30 p.m.
Northwest Wisconsin
Bridge to Wonderland Christmas Parade
A cherished Chippewa Falls tradition, the Bridge to Wonderland Christmas Parade includes more than 50 illuminated floats, horse-drawn carriages, and more. This year’s theme is “Christmas at the Circus”. The parade starts at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6. Families can head over to Riverfront Park afterwards for more holiday fun.
Clearwater Winter Parade
The Clearwater Winter Parade kicks off on Friday, Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Eau Claire. This year’s parade theme is “Under the Sea.” The festivities continue with free entertainment, games, and fireworks, making it a fun event for the whole family.
Garland City of the North Christmas Parade
Head north to Ashland for the Garland City of the North Christmas Parade on Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m.. The parade features holiday floats, marching bands, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Following the parade is a tree lighting ceremony at Otis Park, where you can hang out with Santa, sing carols, and roast some delicious marshmallows.
Southwest Wisconsin
La Crosse Rotary Lights Opening Night Parade
One of the largest holiday events in the region, La Crosse Rotary Lights Opening Night festivities begin with a parade at 5 p.m. on Nov. 28, followed by an opening ceremony and fireworks. The La Crosse Rotary Lights display brings in around 130,000 visitors each year. You can drive, walk, or take a carriage ride through Dec. 31. There are free s’mores every night by the giant snowman.
Grand Lighted Holiday Parade
Beloit’s Grand Lighted Holiday Parade will be on Nov. 28, starting at 6:15 p.m. The evening kicks off earlier with live music at First National Bank Plaza at 5 p.m. Santa is scheduled to make an appearance at 6 p.m. to begin the tree lighting ceremony, which is followed by fireworks to kick off the parade.
Monroe Light Parade
The Monroe Light Parade is on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. It features a variety of illuminated floats, vehicles, and community groups. There may even be a visit from Santa. After the parade, families can make their way over to Santa’s Headquarters at Wisconsin Bank & Trust to drop off their letters to Santa and take home a treat. Part of the square will host winter activities, including carolers, bonfires, and more.
***Please note: Dates and locations are subject to change. Always check the event organizer’s website before planning your trip.
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